Nintendo Network ID FAQ

What is a Nintendo Network ID?

A Nintendo Network ID is the account required to use Nintendo's network services. You will need to register a Nintendo Network ID on your Nintendo 3DS system to download free software and demos from Nintendo eShop, or to use Miiverse.

What are the benefits of registering a Nintendo Network ID?

You will be able to share your in-game experiences, game screenshots and more with other users on Miiverse. In addition, if you have a Nintendo Network ID on Wii U, you will be able to register the same ID on your Nintendo 3DS. This will combine your balances on each system into a single combined balance.

Can I register the same Nintendo Network ID on more than one Nintendo 3DS system?

No, this is not possible. Your Nintendo Network ID is tied to your software and/or additional content you have purchased and downloaded. As the rights of usage for software you have purchased apply only to a single Nintendo 3DS family system, you can only register your Nintendo Network ID on one system.

If I have registered a Nintendo Network ID on my Nintendo 3DS, can I transfer it to a new system?

If you have registered a Nintendo Network ID to a system (known as the "source" system), you can transfer this to a new system (known as the "target" system) along with the usage rights to data saved on your SD card, Nintendo DSiWare, your Nintendo eShop user history and balance, any save data from software pre-installed on the system, and Nintendo DS software settings.

However, please note that if the target system already has a Nintendo Network ID registered on it, you will be unable to register the Nintendo Network ID from the source system without first deleting the Nintendo Network ID of the target system.

I have a Nintendo 3DS system with a Nintendo Network ID registered to it, and I want to transfer it to a new system. I have downloaded software on my SD card, but the same software is pre-installed on the new system. What will happen to this software after the transfer?

Software pre-installed on the SD card can be downloaded again from Nintendo eShop after you've transferred to the new system.

I have used Nintendo eShop in different regions, and I have funds in multiple currencies in my balance. What will happen to these funds after I register a Nintendo Network ID?

After registering a Nintendo Network ID, you will be unable to change regions and use multiple currencies – for instance, pounds and euros – in Nintendo eShop. The funds linked to the country setting of your Nintendo Network ID will remain, and any funds in other currencies will be deleted. Please make sure to use up any other currencies before registering a Nintendo Network ID.